Academy spotlight: Jacob Stead

This weekend sees Leeds Rhinos Under-18s take to the field as Tony Smith's side go in search of their first of the season against Castleford Tigers at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle, kick off 1pm.

Although Leeds were pipped to the win by St Helens in their opening fixture, one of the team's rising stars, Jacob Stead, is confident that the young Rhinos took plenty out of the game that will go on to benefit the season ahead.

Speaking earlier this week, he said: "I thought we were very good against Saints and it was quite disappointing that we didn't win. We started off strong in that game and hopefully we can do the same against Castleford this week and get the win.

“I think we deserved the win against Saints but we didn't win the battles in key areas. The loss has fired us up and we will all be up for it on Saturday.”

Since signing his first professional contract in August last year with the Rhinos, Stead has been adapting to the demands of Under-18s rugby. To aide the forward’s development further, Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith took a number of Academy talents under the wing of the first team during pre-season, giving players like Stead an opportunity to learn from players that they could be playing alongside in years to come.

“To have so many people around to help and improve me every day is helpful; I think it's showing in my game and in training,” he said. “The scholarship helped me from being a bit slower when I first arrived, into a player that carries hard and runs fast. It's really fast paced with the first team guys and I'm learning new things every time. It put me in good stead for the start of the season, alongside training with the Academy lads.”

"I think it gave me a bit of a boost of confidence too going into that first game, knowing that Tony and Rohan see something in you. I'm just enjoying every minute at the club and I'm excited about what's in store for the season..”

The grind doesn’t stop for players at any level at the Rhinos, and Stead has already identified where he wants to develop further. "I want to improve my knowledge of the game a bit more around my position. The best way to do that is by playing games because it gives you that bit more intensity than training gives you. Overall, I'm just hoping to play as many games as I can and step up to reserves by the end of the season."